Black History Month is winding down in 6 days. The end of the designated month to honor our roots, achievements, and endless contributions does not stop us. Black history is constantly being made and Black futures are always in motion. As an artist finding her footing, this Black History Month gave incredible moments for continued revelry.
The King of R&B graced the Super Bowl with his presence. It’s joyous to see Usher receive the flowers and praise he has always deserved. He truly put R&B on center stage on one of the most coveted platforms in the music industry. R&B is a part of the soul of Black people. We clean up to it and sing lyrics we don’t understand and may have no business crooning from a young age. A master of his craft and a believer in romance, Usher gave as much of his 30-year career as possible in 13 minutes. Having missed his residency, the upcoming Past Present Future tour will be a real treat.
Usher’s one true peer caused a frenzy directly after his performance. Super Bowl Sunday was a musical bounty. Renaissance: Act II appears to be a reclamation of Beyoncé’s roots and country music. The announcement and singles led to a flood of sharing the names of Black country artists we all should support. Tanner Adell, The War and Treaty, Rvshvd, Reyna Roberts, The Kentucky Gentleman, Mickey Guyton, and that’s just from a casual scroll on the app formerly known as Twitter. Did you know Tina Turner released a country album in 1974? Brand new news over here! A crucial voice for Act II commentary belongs to Taylor Crumpton, she’s the one. Reclaiming our space is empowering to witness.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Changed America always draws out strong emotions. Tears well up on every episode. This isn’t a trauma watch; the tender care and reverence for our history radiates from the screen. This country was made off our backs. Each episode shows how we are integral to the fiber of this place. Even with everything stolen from us, put down and repackaged as if we weren’t looking, we are indomitable. Season 2 focuses on post emancipation and The Great Migration. The South is the birthplace of Black American culture. So many of us have roots there. Everything we love starts there. Personally, those roots are in Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Compiling a list of the restaurants, chefs, and events highlighted is a must do. Stacked Google Maps lists are the result. We are resourceful, defiant, and innovative.
A trip to New York needs to materialize before July 28th. That’s the last day for The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition features 160 forms of art media and shows how Black artists portrayed everyday life in the 1920s-40s in Harlem and beyond, per the Met website. There is also an accompanying podcast Harlem Is Everywhere hosted by writer and critic Jessica Lynne available on all platforms. The podcast covers “how music, fashion, literature, and art helped shape a modern Black identity.” A fantastic way to make it through the workday and commutes.
My world is Black, everything I love and hold dearest to me is Black. Being a Black woman is the greatest privilege of my life. I will choose this in every existence, I want nothing else. There is still so much to soak up as Black American and throughout the diaspora. Watching us live in our varied ways is affirming. This is a month that puts the spotlight on what we already know. Nothing can dim the glow of our inevitable and undeniable shine.
